A STEAM Challenge that invites students in grades 6-12 to join the effort to tackle nitrogen pollution.
About the Challenge:
As part of the Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan (LINAP), the Long Island Water Quality Challenge promotes project-based learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) in Long Island schools and helps students develop a greater understanding of how their classroom curriculum can be applied to protecting Long Island’s crucial water resources – with a specific focus on reducing or eliminating nitrogen pollution. This competition also connects students, teachers and their communities to the overall LINAP initiative.
Student teams will choose from one of two Water Quality Challenge categories that is feasible and meaningful to them and their community.
The two STEAM Challenge project categories are:
(1) Low Input Landscaping
(2) Stormwater Treatment
The STEAM competition is open to any NYS accredited educational institution on Long Island (in Nassau and Suffolk counties) that serves students in grades 6-12.
The Long Island Water Quality Challenge is a great opportunity for schools to play a role in protecting local water resources while improving school grounds. On Long Island you are never far from surface waters (and groundwater); that holds true for most schools in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Stormwater runoff on school property can transport nitrogen pollution (along with other contaminants) through the watershed and into our coastal waterways. Excess nitrogen in surface waters can cause eutrophication (excess algae growth or “bloom”). Toxic algal blooms lead to low oxygen conditions, fish kills, and degraded wetlands and marine habitats. Excess nitrogen in groundwater can result in drinking water high in nitrate (a form of nitrogen) which poses a threat to human health.
Format for the Project Proposals
Teams may use this recommended format for their STEAM Challenge project proposals.
Launch Date:
November 16, 2020
Letters of Interest Due:
February 15, 2021
Project Proposals Due:
April 1, 2021
Request For Expressions of Interest:
For details about submission requirements and how to submit a letter of interest, PLEASE SEE THE REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST.
Resources:
Schools and their teams are encouraged to explore the following websites and resources for information on stormwater treatment and low input landscaping.
